DCFS is investigating allegations of abuse and neglect by the foster mother and neglect by the foster father, Marlowe said, adding the child suffered “severe physical abuse.”

Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll could not be reached late Thursday afternoon.

The child, whose biological mother is from Bloomington, and her three siblings were placed in the foster home in August, Marlowe said. The foster parents were licensed and had not previously been investigated by DCFS, he said.

McLean County court records show the biological mother was sentenced to 18 months’ conditional discharge in September for two counts of child endangerment.

“The children were removed from their biological mother due to a situation of neglect and domestic violence by the mother’s paramour,” Marlowe said.

Marlowe said Rudesill’s siblings and the foster parents’ two biological children have been removed from the Cullom home and placed in other foster homes.

In a statement released late Thursday, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department said it is investigating the death in conjunction with the state’s attorney’s office.

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